iPhone 17 Air Display Details Surface in iOS 26 Beta, Suggesting Fall Release
Whispers of iPhone 17 Air Emerge in iOS 26 Beta
The tech world is abuzz! A keen eye sifting through the recently released iOS 26 beta has unearthed intriguing clues pointing towards a potential new iPhone model. Specifically, it seems we may be getting our first glimpse at the anticipated iPhone 17 Air, slated for a possible fall release.
The detail that has everyone talking? A modified version of the iconic iOS clownfish wallpaper was discovered, bearing a resolution of "420x912@3x". Now, this seemingly cryptic string translates to a resolution of 1260 x 2736. Intriguingly, no current iPhone model matches this exact specification. However, this resolution is strikingly similar to what industry insiders predict for the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air.
Consider, for instance, the analysis provided last year by Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputable Apple analyst. He suggested that Apple's planned ultra-slim iPhone 17 would feature a 6.6-inch display boasting a resolution in the vicinity of 1260 x 2740. As you can see, this estimation aligns almost perfectly with the resolution embedded within the iOS 26 beta wallpaper. This is a compelling piece of evidence, suggesting that the wallpaper is indeed tailored for this entirely new device that Apple intends to launch this year.
Given that the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to ship with iOS 26 pre-installed sometime in September, the timing of this discovery feels far from coincidental. It seems plausible that the wallpaper is being prepped specifically for this new addition to the iPhone family.
For some context, the iPhone 17 Air, with its rumored 6.6-inch display, is expected to occupy a sweet spot in the iPhone landscape. It is intended to be smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro but larger than the standard iPhone 17. Furthermore, whispers suggest a remarkably thin chassis, potentially measuring a mere 5.5mm. Other rumors circulating include the integration of Apple's C1 modem and a single-lens rear camera, but we will need to wait for confirmation.
Source: Mac Rumors